Billionaire, former mutual fund manager, Sir John M. Templeton has died. Templeton ran some of the most successful mutual funds during the initial boom years for mutual funds.

In 1939, when World War II began in Europe and the stock market was at record lows, Templeton borrowed $10,000 and bought 100 shares each in 104 companies that were selling at $1 a share or less, including 34 in bankruptcy. A few years later, he made large profits on 100 of the companies; four turned out to be worthless.

Templeton renounced his American citizenship in the 1960's and moved to the Bahamas.

He said his investment record improved after he distanced himself from Wall Street and no longer worried about the tax consequences of his decisions...

He said his investment record improved after he distanced himself from Wall Street and no longer worried about the tax consequences of his decisions

A real role model for today's corporate types. No understanding that some things are worth more than mere money

Since we are a nation of immigrants, who left their home countries in search of a better life, do you have the same opinion about all of our ancestors? It appears one reason Mr. Templeton left this country was because he found more freedom elsewhere. Sounds to me like he valued freedom more than geography, like many of our ancestors.

6
posted on 07/08/2008 11:19:23 AM PDT
by chrisser
(The Two Americas: Those that want to be coddled, Those that want to be left the hell alone.)

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with George Washington, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from California to the New York Island, from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters, this land I give to you and your seed.

9
posted on 07/08/2008 11:24:33 AM PDT
by Alter Kaker
(Gravitation is a theory, not a fact. It should be approached with an open mind...)

Not only that but Templeton has donated to thousands of Christian organizations not only in America but also around the world!!!

The U.S. has punished achievers for decades for being successful. While I might NOT have give up U.S. citizenship, that makes him no less worthwhile to U.S. and to millions of struggling around the world.

Why is paying high taxes a patriotic thing to do? Yes, I vote for an Atlas Shrugged scenario where instead of paying high taxes, high earners simply leave the country with 100% of their assets. Or do you think the government really owns your money?

Do you know anything of John Templeton? He may not have admired our tax system, but he certainly understood that there are things greater than merely having money. His donations have helped church groups, educational groups, religious studies, scientific studies, and he has generally been an extremely admirable man.

He was a good Christian, and used his money to help others. It might help to look a bit more into a man before accusing him.

The IRS has a lot of power over people here in the US, and fighting it directly is likely futile. The most effective way to fight it may well be to eliminate its power over you, and thereby deprive it of the very thing (tax revenue) that it seeks.

You must be a big government socialist who thinks it a good think to pay 40% of all the money you make to the government, then when you die you get to pay 60% of your estate to the government. You are what is wrong with Conservatives in that you talk a good game about wanting small government and low taxes, but doesn’t really mean it.

One article I read decribed Templeton as a “devout presbyterian.” Given the modern day PCUSA one has to wonder what exctly is a devout presbyterian. That being said based on what I’ve heard and read he seems like he was a good and decent man with an eternal perspective.

“No, Im a conservative who thinks American citizenship is a priceless blessing that shouldnt be bought and sold like stock shares.”

How much tyranny do we need to endure before we are allowed to leave? Or do you think the government should a Berlin Wall with taxes for those who chose to leave? Maybe we should build a real wall and just keep everybody here? If you love America for its freedom, you should want people to keep their money and not have the government steal it. John Templeton left to avoid the ridiculous taxes that the USA has. If more people did what he did maybe we would have a better system. He's a hero and you are a socialist!

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